99 CLK430 Transmission

[neonflx]

Here is my situation

My 99 CLK430 has been having tranny issues, the Problem:
1. transmission will make clunking sound when rapid acceleration from a stop
2. transmission will make clunking sound when rolling to a stop and stopping
3. transmission will make a clunking sound when rolling to a stop NOT stopping and accelerating again
4. transmission slips some while taking slow turns and accelerating

Seems to happen on both S and W mode (however it seems than in W mode problem is not as noticeable), fluid was drained (including torque converter) and replaced with original MB fluid, filter was also replaced.

MB dealer charged me 200.00 no faults were found, possible internal mechanical, MB wants 4,700 to replaced tranny.

Euro Car Shop especializing on MB charged me 46.00 to find no faults and want 3,800 to replaced tranny.

Car runs great once past the initial clunk seems between 1st and 2 gear I think but can say with certainty. Once on high gear it runs smooth plenty of power and responsive no slippage noticed.

I am currently deployed in Iraq (will be home soon, knock on wood) and have saved some money and would like to know if anyone has any suggestions before I go and replaced the tranny, thank you.

[mbdoc]

Did either shop give reason for needing a reman transmission??? Did they remove the pan & inspect for METAL particles?

WHAT are the trans adaptation figures for the clutch packs, IF they didn't print out that info for $200 then you should ask them to do that!

IF none of the figures are at OR above the MAX then the trans isn't at fault. HOWEVER the trans valve body will cause that problem. That valve body goes for $440(exchange) and takes about 1-1.5 hrs to replace!

[neonflx]

Both shop said that the they are within tolerance not out of specs, any specific place i could purcahsed the valve body, thank you for the advice, i rather go that route i know there are not guarantees however it seems odd that the dealer just want to replace tranny without any further research thank you.

[joeym]

Hi Iwould be checking the conductor plate on top of the valve body,common problem on your veh also the one way roller bearing would cause a slight bang when coming to a slow stop like some one tapping you from behind.joeym PS price kind of high easy trans to rebuild.one more thing when you get a print out of the adaptations have them check that you have the updated EGS

[mbdoc]

The MB reman valve body part number is 140-270-06-06-88. ANY good dealer should have them in stock! or be able to get one in 1-2 days.

[neonflx]

M.B.DOC
thank you for your help, I woul go that route with the valve body instead of a new tranny, and see what happens. once again thank you from MOSUL, Iraq,,, I'll be home soon!!!

[neonflx]

Thanks for the good info

I contacted the shop that diagnosed the noise the first time and told me that i needed a tranny, he was very reluctant to replace just the valve body and went on a 15 minutes speech about how should i replace the tranny and not just the valve body, at this point i'm very skeptical as to what i should do,

does anyone knows a good mechanic in the WA state area, Olympia, Tacoma, Lacey, Tumwater, Federal Way area, if so the a # that i can call and have my wife take the car in, thank you.